News

The wife of country music icon George Jones said that her family has established a scholarship fund at Middle Tennessee State University, which they hope will become a living memorial to the late singer.

Nancy Jones announced the creation of the fund Monday at a Nashville ceremony to unveil a monument to her husband of 30 years. The Country Music Hall of Fame member died April 26 at the age of 81.

“George would have liked the fact that MTSU attracts so many first-generation college students, as well as students who face financial challenges,” Jones said. “Like George, they are hard-working folks who are determined to make their dreams a reality.”

Nancy Jones will be making the first donation to the fund. MTSU Recording Industry Department Chair Beverly Keel, who will oversee the donation drive for the fund, said she hopes the effort will raise enough for multiple scholarships and programs that celebrate Jones’ music and career.

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, who attended Monday’s announcement at the Woodlawn Roesch-Patton Funeral Home and Memorial Park, thanked Jones for choosing the university to honor the memory of her husband.

“MTSU is a very appropriate place to honor George Jones because of its nationally known recording industry program,” McPhee said. “We have educated many of the leaders of the country music industry and we are dedicated to teaching students about the important contributions of country music.”

Donations can be made online at www.MTSU.edu/give or by mail at George Jones Scholarship Fund, MTSU, Office of Development, Box 109, Murfreesboro, TN 37132. For more information, call 615-898-5595 or email at [email protected].

MTSU’s College of Mass Communication, which houses the Recording Industry Department and the Center for Popular Music, is working to preserve and promote the legacy of Jones, who charted No. 1 country songs across several decades, from the '50s through the '80s.

Jones won two GRAMMY Awards, the first coming in 1980 for his now-classic hit "He Stopped Loving Her Today," which was named Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, and the second in 1999 in the same category for "Choices." He was presented a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.

“George Jones had an extraordinary life and career on so many levels and we are grateful that his legacy will inspire and benefit a new generation through education,” said Mass Communication Dean Ken Paulson. He said the college will add to its collection of research material and artifacts surrounding Jones’ career.

Keel said her department is developing a course on the life and music of Jones and will “create opportunities for scholars to offer their analyses and interpretations of his music that can then be shared with scholars internationally.”

“We want to make sure that students 100 years from now will fall in love with ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today,’ just as we did, no matter what future technology they may use to listen to his traditional country music,” Keel said.

Nancy Jones said her husband would have been pleased to have students benefit from this effort in his name.

“George received help from people as he strove to have a country music career, so I am thrilled that we will be able to help young people in the name of George Jones,” she said. “I know he would have loved this.”

Recognized worldwide as the “greatest living country singer,” George Jones represented everything about Country Music and was loved by fellow artists, musicians, producers, publishers, songwriters, video directors and industry executives. On November 22nd, Nashville and beyond will honor the music legend with an all-star tribute, the date that George was to perform the final show of his illustrious career.

“I am so excited how this show has evolved and I will be forever grateful to the artists that are coming to honor George,” says Nancy Jones. “The evening might be long, but I don’t think people will be upset as they will witness the best musical tribute Nashville has ever seen with so many artists performing George Jones songs.”

Playin' Possum! The Final NO SHOW talent list: (in alphabetical order based on first name, not order of performance)

Although the show is SOLD OUT, a special VIP package which includes a show ticket, a VIP pre-show reception with Nancy Jones, and other special items are available on a limited basis. These packages are only available at www.georgejones.com.

Playin’ Possum! The Final NO SHOW is being produced by Mike Smardak of Outback Concerts, with Suzzane Skinner serving as Talent Producer, Kirt Webster serving as Show Producer, Bobby Birkhead serving as Music Director, Sherry Hohimer handling VIP ticketing, fan club, and serving as assistant to Nancy Jones, and Getty Images will serve as exclusive photojournalists for the evening.

Yesterday, Nancy Jones revealed additional talent for what would have been George Jones’ final concert appearance in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 22, 2013 but is now a tribute to the country music legend. In addition, “Playin' Possum! The Final NO Show” has been dubbed the official name of the event.

"The evening of George Jones songs is going to be the best musical tribute Nashville has ever seen,” says Nancy Jones. “We have many surprises planned, and I just wish George could be here to see what we are doing for him."

"George Jones had a way of putting his finger right into your wounds and letting you know, 'I understand. I know your pain.' While 'Wild Irish Rose,' may be an unexpected choice with so many great songs to choose from, it is a perfect example of Mr. Jones way of reaching inside every one of us, and making us aware that we all have pain. By far the most pain a man can endure, sadly as so many of our Vietnam Vets know, is to come home and find no one wants him. In the end, as so many do, they end their days inside of a bottle, as "Rose" knows too well," says Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine.

George Jones, often referred to as the "the greatest living country singer" was on his farewell tour titled "The Grand Tour,” when he passed away. The icon’s hits, "I Don't Need Your Rockin' Chair", "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes", "White Lightning" and "He Stopped Loving Her Today" will surely become standards for honky-tonk cover bands for years to come.

With the SOLD OUT tribute concert already hosting top names in all genres of music, Nancy Jones is excited to announce the addition of George Strait, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Reba McEntire, and Alabama to the all-star lineup.

“I am thrilled and honored that so many of George’s friends are coming to what would have been his last concert, but is not a fitting tribute,” says Nancy Jones. “George loved these artists and before passing had actually wrote letters to almost all of them.”

George Jones, often referred to as the "the greatest living country singer" was on his farewell tour titled "The Grand Tour,” when he passed away. The icon’s hits, "I Don't Need Your Rockin' Chair", "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes", "White Lightning" and "He Stopped Loving Her Today" will surely become standards for honky-tonk cover bands for years to come.

About George Jones

George Jones was the #2 best-charting country artist of all time, with a staggering list of hit singles since the ‘50s. The Beaumont, Texas native also has 143 Top 40 hits to his name, has received two Grammy Awards, was a 2008 Kennedy Center Honor recipient, is a Country Music Hall of Fame member, was presented with a GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and holds a National Medal of Arts medallion.

The George Jones final Nashville concert, which was set for Friday, November 22, 2013 at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, will continue as planned with one change … the show will now become a ‘Tribute to George Jones’, as announced today.

"Everyone has been asking if we will still do the show," says Nancy Jones. "I have asked Garth, Kid Rock, Travis Tritt, The Oak Ridge Boys, Montgomery Gentry, Sam Moore, Charlie Daniels, Jamey Johnson and others and they all said ‘yes, I am still going to do it’ so with all the artists still planning on coming, we are going to honor George one final time."

Tickets for the Nashville finale were SOLD OUT previously. Please check www.Ticketmaster.com on any tickets that may come available.

At this time, not all previously announced artists have been contacted. We are in the process of re-confirming all artists. A list of all confirmed talent will be available at georgejones.com

George Jones performed hundreds of times at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry House – whether on the WSM Radio show, or appearing on such shows from the auditorium like the CMA Awards, so it's only appropriate that this morning's funeral has turned out to be a farewell fit for a country king.

Open to the public, fans started lining up yesterday for a chance to say farewell to the artist known as "The Possum." Famous friends who either spoke or performed during the 2 hour, 40 minutes-long service included Kid Rock, Travis Tritt, Alan Jackson, Patty Loveless, former First Lady Laura Bush and others.

WSM announcer Eddie Stubbs welcomed the crowd to the Opry House, and proceeded to introduce longtime family friend Tanya Tucker and the Imperials, who performed a beautiful version of the Gospel classic "The Old Rugged Cross," ending the performance by saying "I'm gonna miss you, Possum." Tucker was one of several acts that was slated to perform with Jones on his final concert – which was slated for November 22 in Nashville.

Nashville radio personality Keith Bilbrey spoke next, followed by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam who praised the singer for being an ambassador to the state of Tennessee.

Pastor Mike Wilson was next on the hallowed stage, who asked for prayers on behalf of George's family and friends. Bilbrey then introduced a pair of artists who had deep ties to Jones. The first was Randy Travis, who relayed a story to the crowd about a concert date where Jones persuaded Travis to close for him. It was a Travis duet , "A Few Old Country Boys," that brought Jones his final top ten entry on the singles chart in 1990. With simply an acoustic guitar on his lap, Travis performed "Amazing Grace."

The Oak Ridge Boys followed Travis with a performance of "Farther Along." The legendary foursome appeared with Jones on his 1982 top ten record "Same Ol' Me." One of Jones's fellow Texans, CBS News personality Bob Scheiffer, was next to eulogize the singer. He recalled listening to Jones on the airwaves of the Grand Ole Opry, and said that though everybody wanted to sing like George Jones, ‘You couldn't sing like George Jones...if you weren't George Jones.' He also relayed memories of his growing up years as relayed to him by Jones in an interview. Scheiffer also commented that in 2008, Jones was a little concerned about attending the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony where he was going to be celebrated because "He didn't think people in Washington didn't like country music, and wouldn't know who he was."

A couple of Jones' fellow Grand Ole Opry members were next in the program. Charlie Daniels walked onto the stage, recalling the first time he heard the voice of George Jones, and also cited the influence he has had on so many artists over the years. Daniels also told a story about longtime producer Billy Sherrill saying that Jones was "the only singer who could make a five-syllable word....out of ‘church." He then grabbed his guitar, and offered a simple yet moving version of "Softly And Tenderly."

Travis Tritt – one of many stars who appeared on Jones' 1992 hit "I Don't Need Your Rockin' Chair" - was next, performing Kris Kristofferson's "Why Me, Lord," which Jones also recorded. He also spoke of the love George felt for Nancy, recalling a conversation where Jones told him "She's my angel."

One of Nashville's favorite "angels," Barbara Mandrell was next on the stage. Visibly moved, Mandrell – his duet partner on 1981's "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool," told the crowd that Jones would always be the "Greatest singer of all time in Country Music, and there would never be anyone to fill his shoes." She also shared an anecdote about meeting Jones at age 13. Mandrell – a teenage prodigy on the steel guitar – talked about the fact that Jones didn't have a steel player on the bill – so he asked her to play the instrument during his performance. "George left his lasting imprint on my heart...all of our hearts. He sang for you and me, and now he's singing in glory for the one who gave him that voice. Hallelujah," she said.

Kid Rock might have been an unlikely participant in the ceremony, but the singer about an incident where Jones had asked him to write a song for him – one that he never finished. The singer talked about how difficult it can be to be married to a performer, and performed an original song called "The Best Of Me."

Frequent Jones collaborators Vince Gill and Patty Loveless were next on stage. Jones gave Gill his "Sweet 'Pea" nickname, and Loveless had covered many Jones records over the years – including her first top ten single, "If My Heart Had Windows," from 1988 – which featured Gill on harmony. Gill recalled touring in his early years with Jones and Conway Twitty – and having to perform with Jones opening, and Twitty closing. Loveless talked about covering a few Jones songs on her Sleepless Nights record in 2008 and George and Nancy driving around town trying to find it. A clerk at a record store said 'We'll get on it, Mr. Jones." The two then combined their talents for an emotional performance of "Go Rest High On That Mountain," with both artists crying throughout – bringing the capacity crowd to their feet.

Former First Lady Laura Bush was introduced by Stubbs. Bush thanked Nancy for allowing her to speak at the service. "Nobody made music like a man from East Texas like George Jones," she told the crowd to applause. She recalled putting quarters in the jukebox to hear Jones' 1964 hit "The Race Is On." She also spoke of the meetings between her husband and Jones – in 2003 when he was presented the National Medal of the Arts, and 2008 during the Kennedy Center Honors – recalling the former President working on his treadmill to "White Lightning."

Grand Ole Opry member Brad Paisley was brought to the stage by Bilbrey next, and he encouraged those watching the funeral who weren't familiar with his legacy to seek out his music, and 'find out what this ruckus is about. It's worth it." He then proceeded into Tom T Hall's classic "Me And Jesus."

Opry GM Pete Fisher followed Paisley, adding that "If you were visited by an alien from another planet, and were asked about country music, you would play them George Jones." Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee approached the podium next. He called getting to say goodbye to Jones "One of the greatest honors of my life." He also relayed what it would have meant to his father had he known he had played music with Jones on his FOX TV show. "George Jones did not sing to us.... He sang For us," said Huckabee.

Ronnie Milsap was then introduced next, saying "We're all here because we loved George Jones," before kicking off a soulful version of his 1969 hit "When The Grass Grows Over Me," a song that he called "the saddest song he had ever heard." After Milsap left the stage, Stubbs introduced Kenny Chesney, who recalled the first Jones song he ever heard was "Who's Gonna Chop My Baby's Kindlin" at his grandmother. He cited the singer as father figure, who he opened for early on in his career. "I came here today to tell Nancy I love you....and I will miss him so much."

Wynonna Judd – a neighbor to the Jones family for many years – recalled Jones sitting in the front row at Tammy Wynette's 1998 memorial service while she performed "How Great Thou Art" before her performance of the song. Judd also recalled that her first concert ever was Jones and Merle Haggard, and also praised...his hair. "The most perfect hair I've ever seen in my life," she quipped.

Wilson appeared on the stage next with closing remarks. He recalled being introduced to Jones as a youngster through his 1985 hit "The One I Loved Back Then (The Corvette Song)." He also recalled when he and his wife adopted two daughters from Haiti, that Jones and Nancy asked them to bring them over. "We talked throughout the years, and no matter how you knew him....life didn't stop for George on Friday. It started." Wilson concluded his message by quoting John 14, ending with a prayer.

Being the funeral of country's most-respected singer, it was fitting that the service ended with a song – but not just any other one. Alan Jackson took to the stage with a somber performance of the song that defined Jones' career - "He Stopped Loving Her Today," ending the song by removing his hat in honor of his mentor.

With that 'wreath upon his door' that the lyric of the song speaks of, Jones made his final exit from the Opry House to the strains of his recording of "When The Last Curtain Falls." A procession would escort his casket to his burial place at Woodlawn Memorial Park, with his band serving as pallbearers. The funeral lasted for over two and a half hours – a fitting send off to one of music's most legendary figures.

George Jones’ funeral will take place on Thursday, May 2nd at The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, starting at 10 am (Central) and will be open to the public. Doors will open at 9 am.

In addition, national television networks CMT, GAC, RFD, and FamilyNet, as well as local Nashville stations WKRN 2, WSMV 4, WTVF 5, WZTV 17 will broadcast the funeral service “LIVE”, with radio partners WSM 650AM and SiriusXM Willie's Roadhouse (Ch. 56) broadcasting the service. Fans around the world can listen online at www.wsmonline.com or watch online at www.opry.com.

"The caliber of speakers and performers is a testament to what George Jones meant to everyone in the world," says publicist Kirt Webster. "Nancy is overwhelmed by the love and support of not only George's fans, but also the music community, public figures and friends."

George Jones’ funeral will take place on Thursday, May 2nd at The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, starting at 10 am and will be open to the public.

"George would have wanted his fans and friends everywhere to be able to come and pay their respects along with his family," said publicist Kirt Webster.

"Thanks to George’s friends, fans, and loved ones for the outpouring of love at this terrible time," said Nancy Jones. "I love you all."

A private visitation for family, friends, and fellow performers will take place on Wednesday evening.

“The Voice” of Country Music fell silent with the passing of the iconic legend, George Jones in Nashville at the age of 81. Long recognized as country music’s most indescribable voice by not only the fans, but critics in all genres, the music world continues to mourn the loss of its’ finest stylist, who was considered the greatest living country singer.

A member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1956, George Jones achieved perhaps his greatest personal honor when he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992.

More than 35 years ago, as noted in his discography, George Jones recorded “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes?”, a song that posed the question of whether music newcomers would come along that could possibly walk in the steps of the progenitors and giants of country music. In light of the loss of this legendary voice, the question has never seemed more poignant.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to the Grand Ole Opry trust fund

With Jones' passing, many members of the Country music community and beyond expressed their thoughts and reactions. Many took to Twitter an other social networking sites to express their condolences.

"My heart is absolutely broken. George Jones was my all time favorite singer and one of my favorite people in the world. My heart goes out to Nancy and all his family and friends."

— Dolly Parton

"The world has lost the greatest country singer of all time. Amen."

— MERLE HAGGARD

“Today is a sad day in Country music. We have lost another piece of history. George Jones was not only a good singer, but was a good friend. He will be missed by many.”

— Hank Williams Jr.

“I am very thankful I got to know George, he’s one of the greatest singers that ever lived. I actually loved the man and really enjoyed the time I got to spend with he and Nancy.”

— Randy Travis

“George Jones will always be one of the most amazing singers who ever lived. He was a true Country Music legend who made music very personal to the listener – I think more than anyone else. He will be dearly missed, but always remembered.”

— Kenny Rogers

"Country music and the world will miss George Jones. He was someone who set a high standard in our industry for great music and lyrics that tapped into the emotions of the human heart at a very deep level. His music has touched the lives of country music lovers for over five decades. My prayers are with his family and I pray for the repose of his soul. May you rest in peace, brother.”

— Collin Raye

"There's a huge emptiness in the music world today from the passing of our good friend George Jones. But, the void is filled with the many memories that will be with us forever. We love you, George."

— The Oak Ridge Boys lead singer Duane Allen

"I believe if you ask any singer who was the greatest country music singer of all time, they would say 'George Jones'. He was without question and by far the BEST! I first met and worked with him when I was 13 years old; I am so very grateful that he was my friend."

— Barbara Mandrell

“SAD DAY FOLKS. TODAY, WITH THE PASSING OF MY GOOD FRIEND, GEORGE JONES, THE DOOR TO AN ERA IN TIME IS SLOWLY CLOSING. WITH ONLY A HANDFUL OF US LEFT STANDING, THE COUNTRY MUSIC I KNEW AND LOVED HAS ALSO PASSED AWAY. IT IS MY GREAT HOPE THAT THE YOUNGER GENERATION OF SINGERS WILL REMEMBER ALL OF US FROM THAT TIME AND CARRY ON. THANKS ALL.”

— RAY PRICE

"There aren't words in our language to describe the depth of his greatness. I'll miss my kind and generous friend."

— Vince Gill

"I am just devastated by the news that George Jones has passed away! The music world has lost one of the most original and innovative talents that the world has ever known. I feel such a personal loss of not only one of the greatest vocal influences of my life, but also I've lost a dear friend. Visits with George have always been full of joy and laughter. Every time I would see him, George would always greet me with a funny story or a joke! His legacy will put his name at the top of the most influential artists in history, right along with Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. His voice will be influencing singers 100 years from now and beyond! I'm reminded of the lyrics that Waylon wrote in the tune 'It's Alright.' 'If we all sang like we wanted to, we'd all sound like George Jones!'"

— Travis Tritt

‘We are deeply saddened by the news this morning of the passing of our friend, George Jones. Our company was privileged to have represented George Jones in the 1980’s, most notably during the critically acclaimed ‘Reunion’ tour of George Jones and Tammy Wynette. We will miss this ICONIC songwriter and his unmistakable voice, but he will live on in our hearts.’

— Jim Halsey, Impresario

“I'm shocked and saddened at the passing of my friend and hero George Jones. I was honored to have toured and recorded with him. Our hearts go out to Nancy and the entire family. ‘Now I Wonder Who's Gonna Fill his Shoes?’”

— TG Sheppard

“I was saddened to learn of George's passing. Along with being one of the greatest singers of our time, he was a sweet man who was always kind to me. Please know that I am praying for you during this special time of loss. If there is anything at all that you need from me please let me know. Our prayers will continue for you throughout the days ahead.”

— Guy Penrod

“Today is a dark for country music and music in general. George had become a friend and mentor to us. We will always remember touring with him and how both he and Nancy were so welcoming to us. Rest in peace George... No one will ever fill your shoes!”

— The Roys

"Country music has lost one of the great ones today with the passing of George Jones. Rest in peace 'Possum', heaven has a new angel."

— Lisa Matassa

“George Jones was just as impressive as a person as he was as an entertainer. He was ‘the ordinary, down to earth guy that happens to live down the road’ and a super star entertainer of which there will never be an equal.” His passing is a sad day and a great loss for us all.”

— Michael Bonagura of Baillie & The Boys

“His voice will live on forever in my heart. There will never be another!”

—Kathie Baillie of Baillie & The Boys

“George was the greatest country singer of all time and was featured in my NANCY comic strip many times. I'll find the words....along with the pictures...to pay tribute to George in the comic strip soon, but today, I join all of Nashville and the Country Music world in sending prayers of comfort and love to Nancy and the Jones family.”

— Guy Gilchrist

“George Jones was one of the most endearing, warm and friendly people I have ever had the privilege to meet. I have been lucky enough to work with George and Nancy and I am so blessed to have been a small part of their lives for a short time. While I am deeply saddened, I know his legend will live on.”

— Janie Fricke

"I have no words to express my admiration and love for George Jones. To say he was my 'hero' does not do justice to the lifetime impression he made on me, both personally and professionally. George Jones is the foundation of country music and he's the reason I wanted to perform. He's the reason I'm still here in this business... out there on the road. He was my mentor and my teacher; George was my friend. He paved the way for so many and I was one of the lucky ones to have enjoyed the opportunity to not only sing beside him, but just 'sit and visit' with him. When I was just starting out, we toured together; he was the headliner. After a few shows, he told me that I was going to close the shows (because he wanted to watch "Andy Griffith"). For a newcomer, it was intimidating to open for him; there was even more pressure to close for him. George gave me strength and encouragement; he kept telling me 'you can do it, son.' George Jones is the Father of Country. We will all miss his voice, and I will miss his voice to call me 'son.'"

— Mark Chesnutt

“I'll never forget the incredible experience of singing with George and I will always remember his wonderful sense of humor and down to earth soul. Before I wrote the liner note for his Ladies Choice album, I said a prayer for the right words to a worthy quote that would come close to reflecting the way I feel about George. Here is that quote and it will always be true.

"We are all God's own individual works of art. In country music, George Jones is his masterpiece..."

— Deborah Allen

"Country music lost an icon today and I have lost a dear and beloved friend. With tear-filled eyes, I'm reminiscing this morning about all that I learned from and loved about George Jones. He was part of my 'country music education;' he made country music history and, in my opinion, George Jones is a song's best friend. No one will leave an imprint on my life like George did."

— Lorrie Morgan

"The first 8-tracks that I owned were recordings by Conway Twitty and George Jones. Long before my career got started, I was at a concert (Travis Tritt's homecoming show) and George Jones performed. I sat there and sang along to every word that George sang. A lady, who sat in front of me, turned around and said, 'do you know George Jones' music?' When my reply was, 'heck yeah,' she introduced herself; it was his wife, Nancy. Nancy brought me backstage that night to introduce me to George. That was three years before I signed my record deal and we've remained friends and stayed in touch since then. Right or wrong, in good times and in bad, people loved George Jones--he made an impression. His music is his legacy and he will not only be remembered as the best country singer this world will ever know, but a great man that we all will truly miss."

— Mark Wills

Keith Urban ‏@KeithUrban

If I'm blessed enough to make it there, I look forward to you giving me the grand tour. Rest in peace George Jones!!!!! –KU

Country Music Hall of Famer, Grand Ole Opry member, and Kennedy Center Honoree George Glenn Jones died Friday, April 26, 2013 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. He was hospitalized April 18 with fever and irregular blood pressure.

Born September 12, 1931, Jones is regarded among the most important and influential singers in American popular music history. He was the singer of enduring country music hits including “She Thinks I Still Care,” “The Grand Tour,” “Walk Through This World With Me,” “Tender Years” and “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” the latter of which is often at the top of industry lists of the greatest country music singles of all time.

“A singer who can soar from a deep growl to dizzying heights, he is the undisputed successor of earlier natural geniuses such as Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell,” wrote Bob Allen in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s “Encyclopedia of Country Music.”

Jones was born in Saratoga, Texas, and he played on the streets of Beaumont for tips as a teenager. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps before returning to Texas and recording for the Starday label in Houston, Texas. In 1955, his “Why Baby Why” became his first Top 10 country single, peaking at number four and beginning a remarkable commercial string: Jones would ultimately record more than 160 charting singles, more than any other artist in any format in the history of popular music.

Jones’ first number one hit came in 1959 with “White Lightning,” a Mercury Records single that topped Billboard country charts for five weeks. He moved on to United Artists and then to Musicor, notching hits including “She Thinks I Still Care,” “The Race Is On,” “A Good Year for the Roses” and “Walk Through This World With Me.”

Jones signed with Epic Records in 1971 and worked with producer Billy Sherrill to craft a sound at once elegant and rooted, scoring with “The Grand Tour,” “Bartenders Blues” and many more. Sherrill also produced duets between Jones and his then-wife Tammy Wynette, and in the 1970s they scored top-charting hits including “We’re Gonna Hold On,” “Golden Ring” and “Near You.”

By the time “Golden Ring” and “Near You” hit in 1976, Jones and Wynette were divorced, and Jones was battling personal demons. His solo career cooled until 1980, when he recorded “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” a ballad penned by Curly Putman and Bobby Braddock that helped Jones win Country Music Association prizes for best male vocal and top single. “He Stopped Loving Her Today” revived a flagging career, and Jones won the CMA’s top male vocalist award in 1980 and 1981. He also earned a Grammy for best male country vocal performance.

In 1983, Jones married the former Nancy Ford Sepulvado. The union, he repeatedly said, began his rehabilitation from drugs and alcohol and prolonged his life. He signed with MCA Records in 1990 and began a successful run, and he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992. His guest vocal on Patty Loveless’ “You Don’t Seem To Miss Me” won a CMA award for top vocal event in 1998, and it became his final Top 20 country hit.

In 1999, Jones nearly died in a car wreck, but he recovered and resumed touring and recording. He remained a force in music until his death, playing hundreds of shows in the new century and collecting the nation’s highest arts award, the Kennedy Center Honor for lifetime achievement, in 2008. In late 2012, Jones announced his farewell tour, which was to conclude with a sold-out, star-packed show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 22, 2013. Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Randy Travis, Charlie Daniels, Kenny Rogers, Sam Moore, The Oak Ridge Boys and many others were set to perform at Jones’ Bridgestone show.

Jones is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Nancy Jones, his sister Helen Scroggins, and by his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.